Lt. Elias Martin Holmes

It is to Lt. Elias Martin Holmes that this is dedicated.

Lt. Elias M. Holmes of the 48th Illinois Infantry Co I, was killed on April 7,1862 while taking the place of his Captain. He was Kate's (my wife) Great Great Grandfather. (U)

Elias Martin Holmes was born December 28, 1825. After serving in the Mexican War he was given a bounty land grant in Johnsonville, Wayne County, Illinois. On September 15, 1861 he enlisted in the 48th Illinois Infantry, I Company. He enlisted for 3 years and was signed up by A. J. Galbrath and mustered into the service at Camp Butler, Illionis under Captain Pritcher.

On April 7th, 1862, he was killed in action on the second day of battle at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, while assuming the duties of his Captain; he was 40 years of age. This battle is more commonly known as the BATTLE OF SHILOH.